The Rancics' News Can Start A Conversation

Giuliana and Bill Rancic have been open about using a gestational carrier to have a baby. If you're unsure about considering this option, here's what you need to know — from a mom and her gestational carrier.

A gestational carrier is a woman who "carries" a pregnancy for intended parents — IPs. The embryo is typically created from the husband's sperm and mother's egg, though sometimes only one IP is biologically related to the baby. Giuliana and Bill Rancic are just one celebrity couple who chose gestational surrogacy, a road to parenting that's on the rise.

Suzanne Rico had trouble conceiving her second child after three failed IVF attempts, and decided to use a gestational surrogate. She and her surrogate, Dawn, address common concerns that intended parents — IPs — may have.

What IPs need to know — a mother's advice

Educate yourself — big time.There are no federal laws regulating surrogacy, and the state laws are a mish-mash, so you have to know what you are getting into.

Work with reputable people."Whether they are lawyers, concierges, consultants, or a surrogate found independently. There are so many choices out there now, and while that gives IPs more options — and potentially ways to save money — that also raises the risk of getting hurt. Due diligence is a must."

Use your intuition."I immediately felt good about Dawn — like she and I were a match. And like she was doing this for the right reasons. When it comes to renting another woman's womb to bring your child into this world, you need to use both your brain and your gut — a combination of science and soul, I guess, that will help you get that baby."

What IPs need to know — a surrogate shares

Dawn explains, "I have this willingness to want to help couples start or complete their families. I have three children of my own, 14, 11, and 9 — great kids that love and respect my way of helping people. There aren't any words that describe the feelings you have when somebody puts their faith and trust in you to nurture their growing baby."

"I know it's scary to think about somebody else carrying your baby. That's why IPs need to make sure that they feel a safe connection with their potential surrogate. Don't settle, interview. It's your pregnancy, too. If there are certain things that you would or would not do if you were pregnant, your surrogate should be willing to apply those things to herself."

Rico adds, "Dawn took the pregnancy more seriously than I did — almost like it was a calling for her and she didn't want to mess it up. She is still in my life — it's a bond that could never be broken."